Karachi:Sindh Head Coach Basit Ali is backing the big-hitting potential of Azam Khan, who made a real impact in the HBL PSL 2020 for Quetta Gladiators, ahead of the National T20 Cup.
The right-hander played two match winning innings for his franchise in the tournament, scoring 59 off 33 balls in the tournament opener against Islamabad United at the National Stadium Karachi before taking apart the home side Karachi Kings at the same venue with a dashing 46 off 30 balls.
Basit feels Azam is a match winner with enormous potential and he would be backing him to deliver the goods for Sindh at the National T20 Cup.
“I saw him bat in the nets during our training session and I am really impressed by his talent,” said Basit Ali. “Azam has the ability to turn a game at any juncture with his big-hitting prowess. My aim would be to offer Azam a platform where he can deliver with an uncluttered mind while focusing on performing to the best of his ability. As a coach, I would be thoroughly backing him since I feel he has a bright future ahead of him and this tournament provides him the opportunity to further improve his game.”
An action-packed domestic cricket season 2020-21 is set to commence with the National T20 Cup for First XIs at the Multan Cricket Stadium in a week’s time.
The tournament promises to provide rich entertainment to cricket fans with the presence of the cream of Pakistan T20 stars. Besides the established names of the shortest format of the game, the tournament also includes some exciting young talent in each of the six teams. The youngsters featuring for their respective teams can use the platform to stake a claim in the men’s national team for the limited overs series against Zimbabwe and impress franchise owners ahead of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021 Player Draft, which will be held in November.
Head coaches of the six participating teams – Balochistan, Central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northern, Sindh and Southern Punjab – have each named one player from their side with the potential of making a big impact in the tournament, which will be played in double-league format for the first time.
Balochistan Head Coach Faisal Iqbal has named left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed as a player with immense potential who has the opportunity to further build his growing reputation.
Central Punjab Head Coach Shahid Anwar has backed the young and upcoming all-rounder Qasim Akram who left an impression with his all-round abilities and exceptional fielding in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which was played in South Africa.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Head Coach Abdul Razzaq is backing leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin as one of the players to watch out at the National T20 Cup. The 24-year-old Mohsin has already represented Pakistan Emerging team and is widely tipped as a bright prospect.
Northern Head Coach Mohammad Wasim is backing top-order batsman Zeeshan Malik to leave a mark in the six-team tournament. The 23-year-old Zeeshan has graduated from the Northern Second XI side and he possesses all the skills and shots to thrive at this level.
Southern Punjab Head Coach Abdur Rehman has named left-handed opener and wicketkeeper Zeeshan Ashraf as a player who can make a big impact for his side at the National T20 Cup.